If you’ve seen any of our previous articles, you know we love those obscure vintage chronographs from Omega. Today we take a look at a very unique and fairly rare reference, the Seamaster Driver Chronograph, lovingly nicknamed the “Bullhead”.
This quirky chronograph, originally called the Seamaster Driver ref 146.011, is another example of the vintage Omegas we love so much. Originally created in 1969, Omega sought to create an asymmetrical chronograph with auto racing in mind. Omega felt it made more sense and was more ergonomically correct to put the chronograph pushers on the top of 43mm wide case, similar to a stopwatch, and angle the dial towards the wearer. The narrower base of the case and the wider and thicker top of the case, along with the pushers that look like horns, are reminiscent of a bull’s head, hence the bullhead nickname. The crown which is located on the top center of the case, operates the manual winding Caliber 930. The other crown is located at 6 o’clock and rotates the internal bezel, and we sure are suckers for a well thought out rotating inner bezel.
The colorful dial is a hallmark of the funky Omega chronographs of the 60’s and 70’s. Here, the dial is predominantly light brown, or chocolate, and features a checkered ring inside the rotating bezel. At the 12:00 position, the chronograph minute subdial is divided into blue, red, and black segments while the seconds subdial at 6:00 features the standard seconds hash marks. As is typical for vintage Omega chronographs, you’ll find the appropriate hands are bright orange, allowing for easing reading. All together, the Bullhead is quite legible, allowing for quick time references while nearing hairpins at 100mph in your ’73 911 RS.
Vintage Omega ad featuring the Bullhead, Flightmaster, and Speedmaster MkII
Other manufacturers to include Seiko, Citizen, Bulova, Breitling and others have all made bullheads and these watches have a cult following. To get an idea, head over to eBay and search for “bullhead chronograph” and you’ll likely see a multitude of results. Omega’s Bullhead is definitely on the pricey side — sellers often ask upwards of $10,000 — and if you’re really keen for a bullhead, it might be a good idea to look at other brands. However, if you need the Omega Bullhead to complete your vintage Omega chronograph collection, get your wallet ready.
The crew here at Wound For Life crew are big fans of Omega’s vintage chronographs. Particularly with the Bullhead, the unique styling and out of the box thinking that went into this watch make it a favorite of ours. Omega only made their bullhead for a few years and is often a grail for not only Omega collectors, but bullhead collectors in general. These Bullheads are becoming increasingly rare and, as mentioned, demand a premium. Bullhead style watches, whether Omega or not, have a style and sophistication all their own, worthy of anyone’s collection, and sure to set you apart from the crowd.
Featured photo at the top courtesy of chronomaddox.com.
by 
Erik Dasque
I believe the Omega Bullhead’s official name is Seamaster Rallye, is it not?
Shane Griffin
It’s actually hard to find anything definitive — we’ve seen it both ways. It’s been so definitely referred to as the Bullhead, it’s become the unofficial-official nomenclature.
Erik Dasque
Interesting. I wonder how many were made, it’s a pretty rare piece for a non limited edition watch and from what I can tell was only produced in one style and for one year?
Shane Griffin
Interesting, indeed. I’m waiting to hear back from Omega on some questions, but I’m not going to hold my breath. Another thought on the nomenclature is that Rallye might have been used within Europe, and Driver in the US. If I hear anything, I’ll pass along the info.